Stoke are hoping to persuade Steven Nzonzi to pen a new deal at the Britannia Stadium but admit there is a chance he could move on to pastures new.
The Frenchman was a revelation for the Potters last season as they shone in the Premier League under the leadership of Mark Hughes.
Nzonzi was voted Stoke’s Player of the Year and his form did not go unnoticed elsewhere with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal being linked with the former Blackburn man.
Stoke are already facing a battle to keep hold of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and it looks as though they could have a similar fight trying to keep Nzonzi.
Chief executive Tony Scholes is hoping they can keep hold of the midfielder but admits it could be difficult if the player sets his heart on a move away and a big club come knocking.
“In terms of Steven, and other members of the squad, we are talking and are in constant touch with the representatives and the players themselves,” Scholes told The Sentinel.
“Steven’s a great footballer, and obviously player of the year, and we would dearly love to keep him but we will see.
“We don’t want to be losing players of quality like Steven but that’s not always in our hands.”
Stoke entertain Liverpool on the opening day of the Premier League season after thrashing the Reds 6-1 at the Britannia on the final day of the last campaign.
The Potters are priced at 2.88 to win, with Liverpool 2.38 and the draw 3.30.
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